Except for those who know how Italian's develop their players and how they view games against Germany. Italians respect German football to such an extent that there is no greater acheivement than getting a result against them.
More so than even doing well against Brazil or whomever happens to be hot at the moment (today that is Spain, it was France a few years back, Argentina before that - only Brazil, Germany and Italy are consistently at or near the top on a consistent basis).
Secondly, the attribute of being able to defend which is routinely criticized is rooted in a never say die work ethic and team spirit. That spirit is what comes out in spades especially against the Germans.
Italian players at a young age are also technically trained with respect to ball skill much more so than many nations (the Dutch are even better at this - but for some reason lack the spirit, especially team spirit which must frustrate their supporters to no end) so you get very skilled players overall.
Now obviously this doesn't mean Italian teams are always great but no nation ever is. What it means is you can never, ever dismiss Italy as a potential champion of any tournament and their success backs that up. Yet, people routinely do just that.

This time and in 2006 they had corruption scandals at home and a point to prove. Between those they have done nothing of note apart from be ranked higher than Saudi Arabia.

Soccer

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Anthony

Quote:

Originally Posted by davesmith

Total shock! No-one expected that. Germany were thoroughly outplayed.

Except for those who know how Italian's develop their players and how they view games against Germany. Italians respect German football to such an extent that there is no greater acheivement than getting a result against them.

More so than even doing well against Brazil or whomever happens to be hot at the moment (today that is Spain, it was France a few years back, Argentina before that - only Brazil, Germany and Italy are consistently at or near the top on a consistent basis).

Secondly, the attribute of being able to defend which is routinely criticized is rooted in a never say die work ethic and team spirit. That spirit is what comes out in spades especially against the Germans.

Italian players at a young age are also technically trained with respect to ball skill much more so than many nations (the Dutch are even better at this - but for some reason lack the spirit, especially team spirit which must frustrate their supporters to no end) so you get very skilled players overall.

Now obviously this doesn't mean Italian teams are always great but no nation ever is. What it means is you can never, ever dismiss Italy as a potential champion of any tournament and their success backs that up. Yet, people routinely do just that.

Did you just put Italy on a list of consistently top 3 nations?

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Argentino

So, who's midfield will bog the other's down more effectively?

Iniesta, Xavi, Busquets, Alonso, Silva

or

Pirlo, De Rossi, Marchisio, Montolivo?

I think Balzaretti did a fantastic job at RB, having been at LB in previous games. And it's always a boost to get a player of Chiellini's caliber back.

Spain will dominate midfield but if Torres or Llorente aren't on the pitch, Buffon will only be tested from distance. Balotelli should go out there in top form not even thinking of a loss

Can't wait to see Spanish fans clamoring that the better side lost and Italian fans trying to use this as proof they're side is worth a half formed thought

Did you just put Italy on a list of consistently top 3 nations?
Spain will dominate midfield but if Torres or Llorente aren't on the pitch, Buffon will only be tested from distance. Balotelli should go out there in top form not even thinking of a loss
Can't wait to see Spanish fans clamoring that the better side lost and Italian fans trying to use this as proof they're side is worth a half formed thought

You must had an erection nearly all match watching the German supporters in the stand..

actually not. with germany lucky punches, you never know. i have to say, this time was the best. bloody m.therfucking krauts only talked how they play spain in the finals. didn't they watch the england match??? omg, it feels so good.

thanks again italy... ...and bojangles is on the radio. what a great day...

Absolutely not. Everyone I know agrees that Italy deservedly won. Germany couldn't make anything out of their chances and had two complete blackouts in defense, great efficiency on Italian side. That's even what was all over TV in the comments yesterday.

Did I enjoy Germany thrown out? No. Did I enjoy the game? Hell yes. I rather see my team go down fighting than watch 120 minutes of "Yeah... so... well... let's see" like in the Spain-England match. I'm really curious for the finals. Spain will clearly play more defensive than Germany and so far the games of Italy against the defensive teams have been mostly meh. From sympathy I'd root for Spain but from play style I'd hope for Italy to make it.

actually not. with germany lucky punches, you never know. i have to say, this time was the best. bloody m.therfucking krauts only talked how they play spain in the finals. didn't they watch the england match??? omg, it feels so good.
thanks again italy... ...and bojangles is on the radio. what a great day...

What dope are you on? The German team clearly said they don't think about the finals, the only thing that counts is the next game against Italy!?

I'm typically not easily pissed off by people... but you're my #1 lately.

What dope are you on? The German team clearly said they don't think about the finals, the only thing that counts is the next game against Italy!?
I'm typically not easily pissed off by people... but you're my #1 lately.

Please remember that when Italy played Spain , Italy played better and should have won that match. If you really think Spain is going to spank Italy in the Finals someone but something funny in your beer. Get you heads out of your asses and understand Italy will win Euro 2012.

Duf- She was German , FAT, and a Slag. Sorry bro I call'em like I see'em.

Please remember that when Italy played Spain , Italy played better and should have won that match. If you really think Spain is going to spank Italy in the Finals someone but something funny in your beer. Get you heads out of your asses and understand Italy will win Euro 2012.
Duf- She was German , FAT, and a Slag. Sorry bro I call'em like I see'em.